During an event organised by the National Association of Plant Breeders (Anove) in the municipality of El Ejido, the Andalusian Councillor of Agriculture, Carmen Ortiz, has emphasised the importance of the use of certified quality seeds and plant material to guarantee top standards for the region's agricultural production.
Ortiz explained that the sector devoted to the production of vegetable seeds is the one investing the most resources and allocating the most personnel on research and development (R&D) for new varieties. Companies with facilities and research departments in the province of Almeria have already obtained more than 2,000 plant species.
Ortiz praised the work done by these companies, "as they aim to meet the demands of both growers and marketers with their developments by improving the production process and helping target consumer trends."
The Councillor stressed that these demands are related to aspects such as disease resistance, improved productivity, diversity of sizes and colours or the improvement in the taste of fresh vegetables. "Therefore," she said, "it is very important for Almeria's high end agricultural sector to address these challenges and advances in the use of certified seeds and quality plant material."
Seed companies in Almeria stand out as a growing sector. At the moment, a total of 46 firms produce about one billion seedlings of vegetables like peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, watermelons, aubergines, courgettes, green beans and lettuce. As explained by the Councillor, all the products marketed by these companies are required to be certified by the Official Control.
Agriculture accounts for around 20% of the GDP in the province of Almeria. 90% of the value of the province's agricultural production corresponds to vegetables. Almeria's horticulture accounts for almost 60% of the Andalusian horticultural production. The value of the production amounts to over 1,900 million Euro, the value of the traded produce stands at over 2,500 million Euro and exports generate more than 2,200 million Euro.
Almeria's horticultural sector invests between 10% and 20% of its income on obtaining new varieties.
Source: elalmeria.es
